John Leahy
About John Leahy
John Leahy serves as a Division Personnel Selection Officer at the Government of Canada, specializing in operational psychology and community dynamics. He holds a PhD in Social & Cultural Psychology from the University of Alberta and has extensive experience in personnel selection and research within the Department of National Defence.
Work at Government of Canada
John Leahy has held multiple roles within the Government of Canada. He has served as a Division Personnel Selection Officer since 2015, contributing to personnel selection processes for nearly nine years. In addition, he has worked as a Senior Army Selection Officer since 2017, focusing on the coordination of research and management of Personnel Selection Officer Teams across the Army. Prior to these roles, he worked as a Human Effects Advisor from 2008 to 2015, where he provided insights into the human dimensions of military operations.
Education and Expertise
John Leahy earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social & Cultural Psychology from the University of Alberta, where he studied from 2013 to 2018. His academic work includes a strong foundation in both quantitative methods and qualitative fieldwork. He also holds a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Saint Mary's University, which he completed from 2006 to 2008. His educational background supports his focus on operational psychology and community dynamics.
Background
John Leahy's professional background includes extensive experience in personnel selection and operational research. He began his career at the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre from 2003 to 2006. His subsequent roles have involved collaboration with U.S. partners to develop analytical tools aimed at understanding complex community dynamics, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as Afghanistan and Africa.
Research and Analysis Focus
Leahy conducts directed research in operational psychology, emphasizing community dynamics and intergroup relations. His dissertation involved collaboration with various groups, examining conflict levels in multi-ethnic urban communities. He studies a range of issues, including attrition, operational effectiveness, and the impact of food security on intergroup dynamics, providing specialized analysis to support Army leadership in addressing complex operational challenges.
Achievements in Operational Psychology
John Leahy aims to integrate his PhD research into practical applications within the operational sphere. He focuses on supporting operational assessment and analysis, providing research and solutions to personnel and organizational problems. His work has included addressing tactical and operational issues in various regions, contributing to the understanding of community impacts in conflict situations.